Delhi stares at flood: Yamuna water level nears all-time high
What's the story
The likelihood of a flood in Delhi increased as the water level of the Yamuna River at the Old Railway Bridge reached 207.18m in the early hours of Wednesday.
The water level is expected to rise further as light rain is forecast for the national capital.
Notably, the river's highest water level was recorded at 207.49m in 1978.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Delhi witnessed its highest rainfall in 41 years, receiving 153mm in the 24-hour period between Saturday and Sunday.
After torrential rainfall in North and Northwest India over the weekend, water levels in all major rivers in the region rose dramatically.
In addition, Haryana discharged over 1 lakh cusecs of water in the Yamuna River, prompting the Delhi government to issue a flood alert.
Water level
More water released from Haryana on Tuesday
The Central Water Commission's (CWC) flood-monitoring panel said the water level at the Old Railway Bridge was at 203.18m on Sunday afternoon, while the warning level is at 204.5m.
It breached the danger mark on Monday evening, hitting 205.4m, then increased to 206.76m on Tuesday evening as Haryana released more water from the Hathnikund barrage in Yamunanagar.
Twitter Post
Water flowing above danger level
#WATCH | Water level of river Yamuna continues to rise in Delhi. Visuals from Old Railway Bridge.
— ANI (@ANI) July 12, 2023
Today at 8 am, water level of the river was recorded at 207.25 metres at the Bridge, inching closer to the highest flood level - 207.49 metres. The river is flowing above the… pic.twitter.com/e46LLHdeVe
Shelter
Thousands move to temporary shelters
Meanwhile, thousands of people living in the floodplains moved to the 114 temporary tents set up on Tuesday.
It was reported earlier that the city's low-lying areas near the river, inhabited by around 37,000 people, were prone to flooding.
Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai claimed that 2,700 tents were being set up and 27,000 people had registered for temporary shelter.
Quote
Sedimentation of saturated soil preventing infiltration: Officials
According to officials, the steep rise in the water level was triggered by incessant rainfall in the upper catchment areas of the river. Further, the sedimentation of saturated soil from heavy precipitation in Delhi and nearby areas over the weekend is preventing infiltration, PTI reported.
Bridge
Bridge closed, Okhla Barrage opened to release excess water
Officials added that the Old Railway Bridge was closed for traffic, and all gates of the Okhla Barrage were opened to discharge excess water and prevent prolonged high water levels.
They said that 45 boats were deployed for awareness and evacuation.
NGOs have also been roped in to provide relief to the evacuees.